NEGOSASYON NG PH, LAOS PARA SA DOUBLE TAXATION DEAL UMARANGKADA

ISINAGAWA ng Pilipinas, sa pamamagitan ng Department of Finance (DOF), at ng Lao People’s Democratic Republic (PDR), ang first round ng negosasyon para sa Double Taxation Agreement (DTA).

Sa isang statement nitong Martes, sinabi ng DOF na ang negosasyon ay idinaos mula Disyembre 4 hanggang 6, 2024 sa Luang Prabang, Lao PDR.

Layunin ng DTA na maalis ang double taxation pagdating sa income taxes at maiwasan ang non-taxation o reduced taxation sa pamamagitan ng tax evasion o pag-iwas sa cross-border transactions ng Philippine at Lao PDR taxpayers.

“This initiative is a testament to the DOF’s strong commitment to safeguarding the integrity of our tax system by closing loopholes and preventing tax evasion. More importantly, it symbolizes our collective resolve to deepen economic cooperation and strengthen diplomatic ties between the Philippines and Lao PDR,” pahayag ni Finance Secretary Ralph Recto.

“By working together to address cross-border taxation issues, we aim to promote greater trade, investment, and development opportunities,” dagdag pa ni Recto.

Ang Pilipinas ay mayroon nang DTAs sa Brunei Darussalam, Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, at Vietnam.

Katatapos lang din ng DTA negotiations nito sa Cambodia, at nakatakdang lagdaan ang pareho sa February 2025.

“As you are aware, Lao PDR and the Philippines are both members of [the Association of Southeast Asian Nations], and we continuously support each other at regional and international levels,” wika ni Deputy Director of the Lao Tax Department Saymanolinh Sinbandhit.

“Aligned with ASEAN Framework Agreements and our mutual dedication to expanding the DTA network, these negotiations represent our joint intention to strengthen cooperation within our community,” dagdag pa ni Sinbandhit.

Ang Philippine delegation sa negosasyon ay kinabibilangan nina DOF Revenue Operations Group (ROG) Assistant Secretary Dakila Elteen Napao, ROG Director Euvimil Nina Asuncion, Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) OIC-Deputy Commissioner for Legal Larry Barcelo, at International Tax Affairs Division Chief Robbie Bañaga.

Samantala, kabilang sa Lao PDR delegation si International Tax Cooperation Division Director Sivay Vilaihan, kasama sina members Tax Audit Division Director Vongsavanh Dethvongsa, Legal Division Acting Director Kongsy Namvavongmixay, VAT and Excise Tax Administrator Division Deputy Director Phaypany Choummaly, at International Tax Cooperation Division Deputy Director Athitnakone Phimmasone. ULAT MULA SA PNA